Wheel Squeak (Install Wheel Cover Insulators)

This bulletin is being revised to update model years and provide additional material information for 2003 and 2004 vehicles. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-03-10-005B (Section 03 - Suspension).

This bulletin contains two different corrections; use the appropriate procedure depending on the model year of the vehicle.

Some customers may comment about a squeak type noise coming from the front or rear wheels. This condition is most apparent during cold weather and while driving at low speeds (0-24 km/h (0-15 mph)).

This condition may be caused by hard contact between the inner edge of the wheel cover and the outer edge of the steel rim.

Install insulators on the backside of all four wheel covers. Use the following service procedure and the part numbers listed below.

1. Remove the wheel covers.
2. Clean the backside of each wheel cover using a mild liquid detergent in a distilled or deionized water solution. Rinse each wheel cover with clean water.
3. Dry each wheel cover using compressed air or a clean, lint-free, non-abrasive cloth.
4. After the wheel covers are completely dry, each wheel cover should be wiped with isopropyl alcohol on a clean, lint-free, non-abrasive cloth at the insulator locations. Refer to the illustrations above.




Important: There is no tolerance allowed for gaps between the insulator and the wheel cover lip. It is also ideal to have the insulator flush (1) against the rib, but there is a tolerance of up to 6 mm (0.236 in) for a gap (2) between the insulator and the rib.

5. Peel the red non-stick backing off of the insulator.



6. Carefully place the insulator onto the wheel cover so that the area under the lip is resting against the corner of the inside edge of the wheel cover lip.



7. Rotate the insulator until it is flush against the inside edge of the wheel cover lip.



8. Press down firmly on the insulator to ensure that the adhesive is bonding to the wheel cover.
9. Place another insulator in the next location by repeating Steps 5 through 8. There should be 10 insulators placed on each wheel cover.

Install insulator tape on the backside of all four wheel covers. Use the following procedure listed below.

1. Remove the wheel covers.
2. Clean the backside of each wheel cover using a mild liquid detergent in a distilled or deionized water solution. Rinse each wheel cover with clean water.
3. Dry each wheel cover using compressed air or a clean, lint-free, non-abrasive cloth.
4. After the wheel covers are completely dry, each wheel cover should be wiped with isopropyl alcohol on a clean, lint-free, non-abrasive cloth at the insulator locations. Refer to the illustrations above.
5. Cut (40-Cavalier or 36-Sunfire) 7 mm (.275 in) lengths of *3M® Squeak Reduction Tape 5430, P/N 06356.
6. Peel the non-stick backing off tape.
7. Carefully place the tape (insulator) onto the wheel cover's backside, outer most edge, as shown.
8. Press down firmly on the insulator to ensure that the adhesive is bonding to the wheel cover.
9. Repeat steps 6 through 8 with the remaining insulators. There should be (10-Cavalier or 9-Sunfire) insulators placed on each wheel cover.

Important: Also, place an insulator onto the wheel cover's backside at the location of the clip-on wheel balance weight.

*We believe this source and their products to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such material. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for or assume any responsibility for the products from this firm or for any such items which may be available from other sources.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

* To obtain this product, check your dealers auto body shop. They may already have this tape or contact 3M® Automotive Aftermarket Helpline at 1-877-666-2277 and follow menu options to locate a store near you where it can be purchased.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: